In this episode of The Cole Memo, Cole Preston sits down with (former) Illinois State Representative Dan Caulkins for a candid discussion about the challenges of serving in the Illinois General Assembly. Together, they unpack the state’s pressing issues, including protectionist legislation, the effectiveness of bans, and the controversial Illinois Firearms Ban.
They also explore emerging topics like mobile ID technology and two proposals regarding hemp-based products: one that sought to restrict them entirely and another that aims to add sensible regulations. Representative Caulkins shares insights on political tactics such as “gut and replace,” the economic impact of green energy policies, and the role of citizen advocacy in driving change.
- Watch the episode on Patreon here
- Watch the episode on Youtube here
- Stream the episode on Soundcloud here
- Stream the episode on Spotify here
- Stream the episode on Apple Podcast here
- Stream the episode on X here
Links mentioned during show
- Quote from Dan that I referenced about Illinois barriers to entry for starting a business
- Ford to pause production of F-150 Lightning electric pickup trucks
- Chicago Tribune political reporter Dan Petrella joined Springfield’s Morning News to discuss lobbyist and the need for reform on lobbying.
- Culture of corruption – Read the series on Illinois’ notorious political legacy
- Supreme court justice Thomas took 38 undisclosed vacations from rich friends – report
- Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor’s staff prodded colleges and libraries to buy her books
- United States Supreme Court: Dan Caulkins, et al., Petitionersv.Jay Robert Pritzker, in His Official Capacity as Governor of the State of Illinois, et al.
- State Rep. Dan Caulkins’ U.S. Supreme Court denies request to review the Illinois High Court Decision on the Assault Weapons Ban
- State Rep. Dan Caulkins Raises Concerns about Mobile ID Bill
- Illinois’ cannabis transport license process discriminates against minority-owned businesses, lawsuit says
The Cole Memo 
Leave a comment